Portable frozen confection machine

ABSTRACT

The disclosure extends to apparatuses, methods, and systems, for producing frozen confections and conditioning ice for use in frozen confections. A frozen confection machine includes a hopper portion for receiving ice into an interior, and a motor configured to rotate a drive shaft, a blade to condition the ice in the hopper during rotation of the motor. The frozen confection machine also includes a lid for selectively covering the interior of the hopper, a bias member for biasing the lid away from a closed position, and a switch for causing the motor to actuate in response to the lid being pressed to a closed position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/340,955, filed Nov. 1, 2016, entitled “Portable Frozen ConfectionMachine,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.14/520,254, filed Oct. 21, 2014, entitled “Portable Frozen ConfectionMachine,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/893,658, filed Oct. 21, 2013, entitled “Portable Frozen ConfectionMachine,” and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/006,741, filed Jun. 2, 2014, entitled “Portable Frozen ConfectionMachine,” and each of which are hereby incorporated by reference hereinin their entirety, including but not limited to those portions thatspecifically appear hereinafter, the incorporation by reference beingmade with the following exception: In the event that any portion of theabove-referenced applications is inconsistent with this application,this application supercedes said portion of said above-referencedapplications.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND

Frozen confections have become increasingly popular and desired in moreand more settings. Machines for conditioning the ice used in frozenconfections are typically large and of commercial grade in order toaccommodate the commercial settings in which they are used. However,often frozen confections are desired in a commercial or home environmentor small party setting where portability and storage are desired. Whatis needed is a frozen confection machine that is portable, providesconvenient operation and good performance, and is sized for easystorage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive implementations of the presentdisclosure are described with reference to the following figures,wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout thevarious views unless otherwise specified. Advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a portable frozen confection machinein accordance with the technologies and features of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cutaway view of an embodiment of a portable frozenconfection machine in accordance with the technologies and features ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a portablefrozen confection machine in accordance with the technologies andfeatures of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a portable frozen confection machineillustrating its configuration angles in accordance with thetechnologies and features of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a blade for a portable frozenconfection machine in accordance with the technologies and features ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a kit that includes a portablefrozen confection machine in accordance with the technologies andfeatures of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a blade, lowerwall of a hopper portion, and a paddle wheel of a portable frozenconfection machine in accordance with the technologies and features ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective rear-view of an embodiment of aportable frozen confection machine in accordance with the technologiesand features of the disclosure; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a side-view of an embodiment of a portable frozenconfection machine in accordance with the technologies and features ofthe disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure extends to apparatuses, methods, and systems, forproducing frozen confections and conditioning ice for use in frozenconfections. The features and advantages of the disclosure will be setforth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparentfrom the description, or may be learned by the practice of thedisclosure without undue experimentation. The features and advantages ofthe disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentsand combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles inaccordance with the disclosure, reference will now be made to theembodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will beused to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that nolimitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Anyalterations and further modifications of the inventive featuresillustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles ofthe disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to oneskilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure,are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure claimed.

Before the structure, systems and methods for producing frozenconfections are disclosed and described, it is to be understood thatthis disclosure is not limited to the particular structures,configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as suchstructures, configurations, process steps, and materials may varysomewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology employedherein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments onlyand is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the disclosurewill be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

In describing and claiming the subject matter of the disclosure, thefollowing terminology will be used in accordance with the definitionsset out below.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,”“characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive oropen-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements ormethod steps.

As used herein, the phrase “consisting of” and grammatical equivalentsthereof exclude any element or step not specified in the claim.

As used herein, the phrase “consisting essentially of” and grammaticalequivalents thereof limit the scope of a claim to the specifiedmaterials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic andnovel characteristic or characteristics of the claimed disclosure.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an implementation of afrozen confection machine 100 that is configured to be portable. As canbe seen in the figure the machine 100 for conditioning ice may comprisea body portion having a housing 105 and a handle portion 110 forconvenient portability and positioning. The machine may further comprisea hopper 120 for receiving the ice to be conditioned. In animplementation the handle portion 110 may comprise a rubber material,grooves, a textured surface, and/or the like for providing grip formoving and holding the machine 100. The machine 100 may further comprisea lid 115 configured to cover the hopper 120. It will be appreciatedthat the lid 115 may comprise a transparent portion for monitoring icein the hopper portion. The lid 115 may further have a catch 125mechanism, such that when the catch 125 is released, the lid 115 isallowed to rotate or pivot upwards into an open position, such that icemay be introduced into the hopper 120 of the machine 100. In anembodiment, the lid 115 may be made of a clear material to provide theuser the ability to see the ice level in the hopper. Additionally, themachine may comprise a spout 130 and ice shaper 135 for delivering andshaping the conditioned ice into a cup or other container for receivingthe shaved ice product. It should be noted that the housing 105, lid115, spout 130 and shaper 135 may be made from any suitable materialsuch as for example: plastics and metals.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cutaway view of a frozen confection machine 200. Ascan be seen in the figure, a motor 202 may be disposed within thehousing 205 of the machine 200. The motor 202 may be electric and may bedriven by DC or AC current. An embodiment having a DC motor may bedriven by a battery that may also be disposed within the housing. Thehousing 205 may comprise a base portion 206 that is sized and shaped toprovide stability during use. The base portion 206 may comprise feet 207that provide traction and may be made from a vibration dampeningmaterial to reduce noise and vibration during use.

As also illustrated in the figure, the machine 200 may comprise a handleportion 210 that is configured to fit a user's hand for easyportability. The handle portion 210 may be aligned and configured so asto be held by a user during ice conditioning to compensate for forcesgenerated by the motor 202 and the paddle 212 while conditioning theice.

In an embodiment, the motor 202 may be directly connected to a driveshaft 242 that drives the paddle 212 thereby moving ice into a blade213. The blade 213 may be secured to the hopper 220, such that the bladeis stationary. It should be noted that in an embodiment the motor 202may drive a blade that spins in order to condition the ice. The motor202 may be disposed within the housing 205, such that the motor's axisof rotation is generally aligned with the body of the machine 200.Additionally, the axis of rotation of the paddle 212 may also begenerally aligned with the body of the machine 200. In an embodiment thehousing 205 may further comprise a door for easily accessing the bladefor maintenance.

An embodiment may comprise a motor that is indirectly connected topaddle wheel through a device with a transmission or gearing.

As can be seen in the figure, the machine may comprise a hopper 220 forreceiving and holding the unconditioned ice, and may comprise a spoutportion 230 for dispensing the conditioned ice after being processed andmoved throughout a portion the body of the machine 200. The spout 230may be configured to deliver conditioned ice into a shaper 235 forproviding a shaped top for the conditioned ice within a cup orcontainer. The shaper 235 may impart a shape to a final shaved iceproduct so that little or no additional shaping needs to be performed bya user. In an implementation, and additional flexible hand shaping flap233 may be included, which allows users more options for shaping duringuse without having to come into contact with the edible conditioned iceproduct. The flexible shaping flap may be attached below or near thespout as illustrated.

A lid 215 may be provided for covering the hopper 220. The lid 215 maycomprise a latch 217 for locking the lid 215 in a predeterminedposition. Additionally, the lid 215 may be configured so as to operate aswitch 240 that turns on the motor so that the machine may not beoperated without the lid 215 in place, or locked in place by the latch217. In one embodiment, the latch 217 or catch 125 may be omitted suchthat downward pressure provided by a user's hand and applied to the lid215 keeps the motor spinning and operational. This can be a safetyfeature so that when the downward pressure or force provided by theuser's hand is removed the motor and paddle 212 stop rotating and is notoperational. The lid 215 may be hinged 218 relative to the body of themachine 200 so that it rotates between opened and closed positions.

For example, during use the machine 200 may be positioned on a worksurface by a user by way of the handle 210. The user may then lift thelid 215 to expose the hopper 220, and ice may then be introduced intothe hopper 220. The lid 215 may then be closed and held down by thelatch 217, a user's hand, or other mechanism thereby actuating theswitch 240 to turn on the motor 202. The switch 240 may include a rockerswitch that provides an upward bias using a spring or other biasingmechanism, such that the lid 215 moves away from a closed or fullyclosed position when downward pressure is not applied and/or the latch217 is not secured. The motor 202 then turns the paddle 212 to drive iceinto the blade 213 (or drive the blade 213, in at least one embodiment).The ice is conditioned as it moves through the blade 213 and into thespout 230 and shaper 235. The conditioned ice may then be delivered to acup, or other container as may be desired by a user, and shaped by theshaper 235, and the flexible hand shaping flap 233, resulting in cup orcontainer full of conditioned ice or product, which may have apleasingly shaped top. For example, ice within the hopper 220 may be toolarge to pass through an opening or blade 213 covering an opening nearthe spout 230. Only after the ice is conditioned (chopped, shaved,turned into “snow,” or otherwise conditioned) is it able to pass from aninterior of the hopper 220 and out through the spout 230 into a cup.

In an implementation, an external switch may be provided for actuatingthe machine. For example the external switch may be a foot pedal orother switch for actuating the machine. After filling the cup withconditioned ice, a flavoring, drink, or other edible content may beadded to the conditioned ice for consumption.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a frozen confection machine 300.The machine may be constructed primarily of two housing halves 305 a and305 b that may be joined together to thereby hold a motor 302, paddlewheel 312, and blade 322 in a working configuration relative to eachother. A paddle wheel 312 may include paddles located near a centeraxis, as in FIG. 2, or may include paddles located near a rim or edge,as in FIG. 3. As can be seen in the figure, the motor 302 may bedisposed within the housing 305 of the machine 300. The housing halves305 a and 305 b may comprise a base portion that is sized and shaped toprovide stability during use. The base portion may comprise feet 307that provide traction and may be made from a vibration dampeningmaterial to reduce noise and vibration during use.

As also illustrated in the figure, the machine 300 may comprise a handleportion that is configured to fit a user's hand for easy portability.The handle portion may be aligned and configured so as to be held by auser during ice conditioning to compensate for forces generated by themotor 302 and the paddle wheel 312 while conditioning the ice.

In an embodiment the motor 302 may be directly connected to a driveshaft 332 that drives the paddle wheel 312 thereby moving ice into ablade 322. It should be noted that in an embodiment the drive shaft 332may be connected to the paddle wheel 312 with a shaft connector 342. Themotor 302 may be disposed within the housing 305 a-b such that themotor's axis of rotation is generally aligned with the body of themachine 300. Additionally, the axis of rotation of the paddle wheel 312may also be generally aligned with the body of the machine 300. In anembodiment, the housing may further comprise a door for easily accessingthe blade for maintenance. For example, a door in the hopper or asidewall near the blade may be selectively opened to access remove,and/or replace the blade 322. In one embodiment, no door is needed toaccess the blade as it may be accessed by releasing one or morefasteners, such as screws, to allow a hopper portion 320 to be movedupward and access the blade from above.

As can be seen in the figure, the machine may comprise a hopper 320 forreceiving the unconditioned ice, and may comprise a spout portion 330for dispensing the conditioned ice after being processed and movedthroughout a portion of the body of the machine 300. The spout 330 maybe configured to deliver conditioned ice into a cup or container. Thespout may include a shaper 335 portion for providing a shaped top forthe conditioned ice within a cup or container.

The machine 300 may also include a lower wall 352 that encompasses alower portion of the hopper 320 or may form part of a wall of a hopper320. The wall 352 may include grooves for receiving and holding theblade 322 at an opening 360 in the lower wall 352. For example, theblade 322 may slide downward into the grooves to be positioned in frontof the opening 360 so that only ice that is conditioned is allowed toexit the hopper 320 through the spout 330.

A lid 315 may be provided for covering the hopper 320. The lid 315 maycomprise a latch for locking the lid in a predetermined position.Additionally, the lid 315 may be configured so as to operate a switch340 that turns on the motor so that the machine 300 may not be operatedwithout the lid 315 in place. Additionally, a power cord 350 may beprovided to power the machine 300. Various fasteners FF may be used tomount the various components of the machine together. Foot pads 344 maybe used to dampen vibrations created during use. Rubber grommets 346 maybe used to seal opening in the housing of the machine.

As can be seen in the figure, an embodiment may comprise drive shaft 332that is directly connected to and directly drives the paddle wheel 312.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment illustrating the angle between a handleportion and the axis of rotation of the motor 412 and paddle 413 of amachine 400. Illustrated in the figure is a frozen confection machine400 having an angle 425 between a first line 420 drawn through thehandle portion 415 and generally aligned with the base portion of themachine and a second line 410 that represents the axis of rotation ofthe motor 412. The angle 425 formed by the intersection of the firstline 420 and the second line 410 may be chosen during design to dampenor otherwise negate forces generated by the motor 412 and the paddle 413as the machine processes ice. In an embodiment, the motor may bedisposed within the housing, such that the drive shaft of the motorrotates about an axis 410 that is fixed at an angle relative to thehandle 415. It will be appreciated that in an embodiment, the angle 425may be selected from a range of between about 30 degrees to about 60degrees. In an embodiment, the angle may be selected from a range ofabout 40 degrees to about 50 degrees. In use, a user may grasp thehandle 415 to steady the machine during use.

The angle of the motor 412 is not vertical or perpendicular to a surfaceon which the machine 400 rests. Thus, a base region of the hopperprovided by the paddle wheel 435 is not horizontal. Rather the paddlewheel 435 provides a base that is tilted at an angle. The angle of thebase may improve performance during the conditioning or ice anddispending of conditioned ice. For example, the paddle wheel 435 istilted toward a location of the blade 430. The tilt toward the blade 430may improve conditioning of ice and may also improve exiting of theconditioned ice through the blade 430. The tilt may also improve howforces or vibrations resulting from conditioning ice are absorbed. Forexample, with the non-horizontal angle of the base, at least some of thevibration or forces are in a vertical direction. These verticalvibrations or forces may be more advantageously absorbed by a surfacevia a base or rubber feet than if all more of the forces or vibrationswere in a horizontal direction. The vertical portion of vibrations orforces may be less likely to be absorbed a user, leading to increasedcomfort for a user and may also lead to longer operation life of themotor 412 and/or machine 400. Thus, the angle of the motor, paddle wheel325, and/or lower region of a hopper may improve performance, machinelongevity, and user comfort.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a blade 500 configured forconditioning ice as it is dispensed to a user. Those in the art willknow that when processing ice, ice buildup on equipment can be aproblem. Illustrated in the figure is an embodiment of a blade 500 thatresists ice buildup while providing conditioned ice suitable forconfectionary use. As illustrated, a blade 500 may be an arched orarcuate planar sheet to match a curvature of a wall or housing and maycomprise a plurality of teeth 505. The teeth 505 may be configured asslots or slits in the blade 500 that allow conditioned ice to form on afirst side of the blade and pass through the blade 500 to a second side.In an embodiment, the teeth 505 may be uniform and placed regularlyabout the blade 500. It will be appreciated that in an embodiment theblade 500 may comprise a plurality of offset teeth 505 relative to eachother. For example, a tooth or slot may be vertically offset from aneighboring tooth or slot. The plurality of teeth 505 may be offset inan alternating pattern. Additionally, the teeth 505 may be situated onthe blade in a pattern as is illustrated in the figure. As can be seenin the figure, the teeth 505 alternate between an up position and downposition relative to a center line 555, which is shown as a dashed linein the figure. The offset may reduce icing on the teeth 505 of the blade500. It will be appreciated that any pattern may be employed, forexample, three teeth in a row may be placed in a down position relativeto the centerline 555, while next three teeth are placed in an upposition relative to the centerline 555. The pattern may repeat as manytimes as desired. It will be appreciated that any number of teeth may beplaced in an up position and any number of teeth may be placed in a downposition with respect to the centerline 555 without departing from thescope of the disclosure. Teeth may also be formed with circular holes(similar to those of a cheese grater) or any other hole or slot shape.For example, the teeth may include a square, rectangular, triangular,oblong circular, or other shaped hole. In one embodiment, the holes mayhave a bent or raised edge that protrudes at least slightly above asurface of the planar portion to present an edge for cutting orconditioning the ice. Although the blade 500 is shown having a curvedplanar shape, the blade 500 may be shaped or bent or flattened in otherconfigurations. For example, the blade 500 may include a substantiallyflat planar shape with little or no curvature.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a kit 600 comprising a frozenconfection making system that comprises an ice conditioning machine 610and a carrying case 615. The case 615 may comprise a carrying handle616. Additionally, a kit 600 may comprise cups 620 and/or toppingcontainers 625, which may be used to dispense flavors for theconditioned ice, for serving the conditioned ice and creating the frozenconfections. Additionally, a kit 600 may comprise additional items suchas a power cord, battery and backup battery. An embodiment of a kit mayinclude a tool 630 that is specially configured for maintaining the iceconditioning machine 610.

FIG. 7 illustrates a close up expanded view of a lower wall 702 andblade 704 of an ice conditioning machine. The blade 704 may include ablade similar to the blade 500 illustrated in FIG. 5. The lower wall 702may surround a lower portion of an interior of a hopper. The lower wall702 may include clear plastic so that a state of ice and/or the blade704 within the hopper can be seen. In one embodiment, the lower wall 702is integrally formed with a spout 706 where conditioned ice may bedispensed. An opening 708 in the wall 702 is positioned at the spout706. A paddle wheel 710 may be inserted and positioned at a bottom of orbelow the lower wall 702. The paddle wheel 710 may be secured to a driveaxle or motor using a fastener 712. The wall 702 includes a recessed oran indented region bounded by grooves 714. The recessed or indentedregion may have a size matching the blade 704 so that the blade can bereceived into the recessed or indented region. Once positioned, aninterior surface of the blade 704 (a surface that faces inward) may befurther from an axis of the lower wall 702 than an interior surface ofthe lower wall 702 to limit ice from impacting an edge of the blade 704.

The blade 704 is positioned in-line with the lower wall 702 and may havea curvature matching the lower wall 702. When assembled, the blade 704covers the opening 708 in the wall so that ice may only exit the hopperor lower wall 702 through the blade 704. Thus, only conditioned ice mayexit through the spout while remaining ice to-be-conditioned remains inthe hopper.

The lower wall 702 also includes attachment features 716 for securingthe wall to or within a housing. In one embodiment, the blade 704 isreplaceable. In one embodiment, one or more fasteners securing theattachment features 716 may be released to allow a housing or otherportion of a machine to be pulled back and/or up to expose a top regionof the blade. The blade 704 may then be slid upward for removal and anew blade may be slid downward into the recessed or indented portion. Inone embodiment, once positioned, a lower portion of the blade 704 ispositioned in a slot in a housing below the blade and an upper portionof the blade is positioned between the lower wall 702 or spout 706 onthe outside and a portion of a hopper or housing on an upper side. Slitsor slots in the blade 704 may remain exposed so that ice can come incontact with the blade 704 to condition the ice.

The spout 706 may be shaped to impart a desired dome or rounded top to ashaved ice product or snow cone. For example, the spout 706 includes arounded spout with a substantially circular diameter that will form atop shape for conditioned ice as a cup or container is filled. The shapeof the spout 706 may be configured to provide a desired shape and thuscreating a shaved ice product may require little or no shaping aftermoving a container or cup away from the spout 706.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate another embodiment of a machine 800 forconditioning ice. The machine 800 includes a base 805 for supporting themachine on a surface the machine 800 includes a handle 810 with groovesfor providing portability and grip on the machine 800. The machine 800includes a hopper 802 and lid 815 for selectively covering an interiorof the hopper 802. In one embodiment, the lid 815 rests in an at leastpartially open state, as illustrated in FIG. 8. For example, a biasmechanism (such as in a rocker switch) may provide an upper force on aplunger 845 to bias the lid 815 from a closed position.

In order to use the machine 800, a downward force on the lid 815 maydrive the plunger 845 into the rocker switch. When the plunger 845 hascompressed the bias far enough, the switch may activate a motor to beginto spin paddles in the hopper 820 to condition ice. In one embodiment,the switch may activate when a lower lip 850 of the lid 815 issubstantially a same vertical height as an upper lip 855 of the hopper820. In one embodiment, the switch may activate when a vertical distancebetween the lower lip 850 and the upper lip 855 is less than the widthof a finger of a child (about ¼ of an inch or less). The bias and theactivation of the switch may reduce any chance of injury or harm to auser. For example, a user's hands cannot be in the hopper when the motoris turning or otherwise operational.

The machine 800 does not include a latch for holding the lid in or neara closed position. Thus, a constant downward pressure may be required tocondition ice. If pressure is removed, the lid 815 may return to apartially open position, the switch may be opened, and the motor isturned off. Thus, the machine 800 may require that a user's hand bepositioned on the lid in order to condition ice, leading to increasedsafety and decreased chances of movement of the machine 800.

The machine 800 includes a lower wall 835 at a lower region of thehopper 820. In one embodiment, the lower wall 835 and the lid 815include a transparent plastic or glass to allow viewing of the conditionof ice in the hopper 820.

The machine 800 includes a spout 830 with a shaped upper portion 840.The spout 830 has a tapered sidewall sized to accommodate a cup 860, orcontainer of other size, to receive conditioned ice. For example, thetaper may allow a plurality of different cup sizes to be used with themachine 800. The shaped top portion 840 may include an upward bulge onthe spout 830 to allow for a symmetrical dome or rounded top to beimparted to a shaved ice product. The spout 830 include a lower surface865, which guides conditioned ice into the cup 860 and also imparts ashape to a top of the conditioned ice in the cup 860. Thus, a user maysimultaneously receive conditioned ice into the cup 860 and shape theconditioned ice in the cup.

The frozen confection machines as disclosed herein may be used for anyice conditioning purposes. For example, ice may be condition forflavored or unflavored consumption as part of a drink, smoothie, snowcone, slushy, or any other type of drink, recipe, or consumablematerial. The frozen confection machines may also be used as portable orhand operated snow making or ice conditioning for non-consumablepurposes such as for decorations, medical purposes, or the like. Forexample, ice may be conditioned to create snow or shaved ice forplacement in a bag for application to a part of the body to reduceswelling. As another example, ice may be conditioned for snow or icedecorations or the like. The portable and convenient operation, with orwithout a handle, provided by embodiments of the ice conditioningmachines presented herein may allow for conditioning of small to largeamounts of ice for any purpose or in any location.

EXAMPLES

The following examples pertain to further embodiments.

Example 1 is a frozen confection machine. The frozen confection machineincludes a housing including a handle portion and a hopper portion. Thehopper portion is configured for receiving ice therein. The frozenconfection machine includes a motor including a drive shaft disposedwithin the housing. The frozen confection machine includes a bladeconfigured to condition the ice. The frozen confection machine includesa spout configured for dispensing conditioned ice. The blade is disposedwithin the housing between the hopper portion and the spout. The motoris disposed within the housing, such that the drive shaft of the motorrotates about an axis that is fixed at an angle relative to the handleportion. In Example 2, the blade of Example 1 is stationary relative tothe housing. In Example 3, the blade of Example 2 includes is arched. InExample 4, the blade as in any of Examples 1-3 includes a plurality ofoffset teeth relative to each other. In Example 5, the plurality ofteeth of Example 4 is offset in an alternating pattern. In Example 6,the frozen confection machine as in any of Examples 1-5 includes a lidconfigured for covering the hopper portion. In Example 7, the lid as inExample 6 has a transparent portion for monitoring ice in the hopperportion. In Example 8, the frozen confection machine as in Example 7further includes a flexible shaping flap that is attached near thespout. In Example 9, the frozen confection machine as in any of Examples1-8 further includes a paddle wheel for moving ice against the blade. InExample 10, the paddle wheel as in Example 9 is in mechanicalcommunication with the drive shaft of the motor. In Example 11, theangle as in of Examples 1-10 is selected from a range between about 30degrees to about 60 degrees. In Example 12, the angle as in Example 11includes is selected from a range of about 40 degrees to about 50degrees. In Example 13, the frozen confection machine as in any ofExamples 1-12 further includes an electrical cord. In Example 14, thefrozen confection machine as in any of Examples 1-13 further includes abattery. In Example 15, the frozen confection machine as in any ofExamples 1-14 further includes a foot operated switch. In Example 16,the frozen confection machine as in any of Examples 1-15 furtherincludes damping pads. In Example 17, the lid as in any of Examples 6-7includes a latching mechanism for holding the lid in a closed position.In Example 18, the frozen confection machine as in any of Examples 1-18further includes a safety switch.

Example 19 is a kit for making frozen confections. The kit for makingfrozen confections includes a frozen confection machine configured to beportable, a plurality of confectionary toppings configured to be usedwith a conditioned ice product of the frozen confection machine. Thefrozen confection machine includes a frozen confection machine as in anyof Examples 1-18. In Example 20, the kit as in Example 19 includes acarrying case configured to carry said frozen confection machine andsaid confectionary toppings. In Example 21, the kit as in any ofExamples 19-20 further includes serving containers configured to holdand serve conditioned ice product of the frozen confection machine. InExample 22, the kit as in any of Examples 19-21 includes a hand toolconfigured for maintaining the frozen confection machine.

Example 23 is a frozen confection machine. The frozen confection machineincludes a hopper portion for receiving ice into an interior, a motorconfigured to rotate a drive shaft, a blade to condition the ice in thehopper during rotation of the motor, a lid for selectively covering theinterior of the hopper, a bias member for biasing the lid away from aclosed position, and a switch for causing the motor to actuate inresponse to the lid being pressed to a closed position. In Example 24,the bias member of Example 23 provides a bias force and the bias forceis greater than a force provided by a weight of the lid. In Example 25,an additional downward force on the lid of any of Examples 23-24 isrequired to actuate the switch such that the lid rests in an at leastpartially open position in absence of the additional downward force. InExample 26, the bias member as in Example 25 causes the lid to return tothe at least partially open position in response to removal of theadditional downward force. In Example 27, the frozen confection machineas in any of Examples 23-26 further includes a plunger actuated by thelid, wherein the plunger is in mechanical communication with the switchwhen the lid is in or near the closed position. In Example 28, thefrozen confection machine as in any of Examples 23-27 further includes arocker switch, wherein the rocker switch includes the bias member andthe switch. In Example 29, the hopper portion as in any of Examples23-28 includes a container rim and the lid includes a lid rim. Theclosed position includes a position where the lid rim is at asubstantially same height as the container rim, or lower than thecontainer rim. In Example 30, the hopper portion as in any of Examples23-29 includes a container rim and the lid includes a lid rim, whereinthe lid rests at a position with a non-zero vertical distance between aposition of the container rim and the lid rim. In Example 31, the driveshaft as in any of Examples 23-30 drives a paddle in the interior of thehopper.

Example 32 is a frozen confection machine. The frozen confection machineincludes a container for receiving ice or other material, a motor foractuating a paddle or blade within the container, a lid for selectivelycovering an interior of the container, a switch for causing the motor toactuate in response to the lid being pressed to a closed position, and abias member for biasing the lid away from the closed position. InExample 33, the bias member of Example 32 provides a bias force andwherein the bias force is greater than a force provided by a weight ofthe lid. In Example 34, an additional downward force on the lid of anyof Examples 32-33 is required to actuate the switch such that the lidrests in an at least partially open position in absence of theadditional downward force. In Example 35, the bias member as in Example34 causes the lid to return to the at least partially open position inresponse to removal of the additional downward force. In Example 36, thefrozen confection machine as in any of Examples 32-35 further includes aplunger actuated by the lid, wherein the plunger is in mechanicalcommunication with the switch when the lid is in or near the closedposition. In Example 37, the frozen confection machine as in any ofExamples 32-36 further includes a rocker switch, wherein the rockerswitch includes the bias member and the switch. In Example 38, thehopper portion as in any of Examples 32-37 includes a container rim andthe lid includes a lid rim, wherein the closed position includes aposition where the lid rim is at a substantially same height as thecontainer rim or lower than the container rim. In Example 39, the hopperportion as in any of Examples 32-38 includes a container rim and the lidincludes a lid rim, wherein the lid rests at a position with a non-zerovertical distance between a position of the container rim and the lidrim. In Example 40, the drive shaft as in any of Examples 32-39 drives apaddle in the interior of the hopper.

Example 41 is a frozen confection machine. The frozen confection machineincludes a hopper portion for receiving ice into an interior, a motorconfigured to rotate a drive shaft, a blade to condition the ice in thehopper during rotation of the motor, a lid for selectively covering theinterior of the hopper, a bias member for biasing the lid away from aclosed position, and a switch for causing the motor to actuate inresponse to the lid being pressed to a closed position. The bias memberprovides a bias force and wherein the bias force is greater than a forceprovided by a weight of the lid. An additional downward force on the lidis required to actuate the switch such that the lid rests in an at leastpartially open position in absence of the additional downward force. Thebias member causes the lid to return to the at least partially openposition in response to removal of the additional downward force. InExample 42, the lid as in Example 40 is in the closed position when thelid is below a threshold position and the lid is in the partially openor open position when the lid is above the threshold position.

Example 43 is a frozen confection machine. The frozen confection machineincludes a housing including a hopper portion configured for receivingice into an interior, a motor for driving a drive shaft, a bladeconfigured to condition the ice during rotation of the drive shaft, anda spout configured for dispensing conditioned ice, wherein the spoutincludes a shaped top portion for imparting a shape to the conditionedice. In Example 44, the spout of Example 43 includes a lower portion,wherein the upper shaped portion and the lower portion provide surfacesto shape a final shaved ice product. In Example 45, the surfaces as inExample 44 are configured to shape the final shaved ice product as arounded dome. In Example 46, the spout as in any of Examples 43-45includes a lower surface having a downward angle for guiding conditionedice into a receiving container. In Example 47, the shaped top portion asin any of Examples 43-46 includes an upward bulge having a smallercurvature diameter than an opposite lower side of the spout. In Example48, the shaped top portion as in any of Examples 43-47 is formedintegrally with the spout. In Example 49, the spout as in any ofExamples 43-48 is formed integrally with at least a portion of a wall ofthe hopper. In Example 50, the spout as in any of Examples 43-49 istapered to accommodate different diameters of receiving containers.

Example 51 is a frozen confection machine. The frozen confection machineincludes a housing including a hopper portion configured for receivingice into an interior of the hopper portion, a motor for driving a driveshaft, a blade configured to condition the ice during rotation of thedrive shaft, and a spout configured for dispensing conditioned ice. Thespout includes an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upperportion and the lower portion provide surfaces to shape a final shavedice product. In Example 52, the blade of Example 51 is positioned at anopening in the hopper portion between the interior of the hopper portionand the spout. In Example 53, the surfaces as in any of Examples 51-52are configured to shape the final shaved ice product as a rounded dome.In Example 54, the lower portion as in any of Examples 51-53 includes alower surface having a downward angle for guiding conditioned ice into areceiving container. In Example 55, the upper portion as in any ofExamples 51-54 has an upward bulge having a smaller curvature diameterthan an opposite lower side of the spout. In Example 56, the spout as inany of Examples 51-55 is formed integrally with at least a portion of awall of the hopper. For example, the spout and wall may be part of asingle piece of molded or bonded plastic. In Example 57, the spout as inany of Examples 51-56 is tapered to accommodate different diameters ofreceiving containers.

Example 58 is a frozen confection machine that includes a housingincluding a hopper portion configured for receiving ice into an interiorof the hopper portion, a motor for driving a drive shaft, a bladeconfigured to condition the ice during rotation of the drive shaft, anda spout configured for dispensing conditioned ice. The spout includes anupper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and thelower portion provide surfaces to shape a final shaved ice product. Thespout is tapered to accommodate different diameters of receivingcontainers. The blade is positioned at an opening in the hopper portionbetween the interior of the hopper portion and the spout.

Example 59 is a frozen confection machine including a housing includinga hopper portion configured for receiving ice into an interior of thehopper, a motor for driving a drive shaft, a spout, and a bladeconfigured to condition the ice during rotation of the motor. The bladeis positioned at an opening in the hopper portion between the interiorof the hopper portion and the spout. In Example 60, the blade of Example59 includes is positioned near a bottom of the interior region of thehopper. In Example 61, the blade as in any of Example 59-60 includes aplanar sheet with one or more holes or slits. In Example 62, the planarsheet of Example 61 includes a plurality of vertical slits formingblades. In Example 63, a vertical slit of the plurality of verticalslits of Example 61 is vertically offset from a neighboring verticalslit. In Example 64, the conditioned ice as in any of Examples 59-63passes through the one or more holes or slits to exit the hopper. InExample 65, the blade as in any of Examples 59-64 is positioned in-linewith a wall of the hopper. In Example 66, the wall of the hopper ofExample 65 includes a groove or notch, wherein an interior surface ofthe planar sheet is in substantially at a greater or equal distance froma center of the hopper than an interior surface of the wall. In Example67, the frozen confection machine as in any of Examples 59-66 furtherincludes one or more paddles in the interior of the hopper driven by thedrive shaft, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the paddles tocause the ice to move relative to and against the blade to condition theice.

Example 68 is a frozen confection machine including a housing includinga hopper portion configured for receiving ice into an interior of thehopper, a motor for driving a drive shaft, a spout, and a bladeincluding a planar sheet with a plurality of vertical slits configuredto condition the ice during rotation of the motor. The blade ispositioned at an opening in the hopper portion between the interior ofthe hopper portion and the spout. The conditioned ice passes through theone or more holes or slits to exit the hopper. In Example 69, the bladeof Example 68 is positioned near a bottom of the interior region of thehopper. In Example 70, a vertical slit of the plurality of verticalslits as in any of Examples 68-69 is vertically offset from aneighboring vertical slit. In Example 71, the blade as in any ofExamples 68-70 is positioned in-line with a wall of the hopper. InExample 72, the wall of the hopper of Example 71 includes a groove ornotch, wherein an interior surface of the planar sheet is insubstantially at a greater or equal distance from a center of the hopperthan an interior surface of the wall. In Example 73, the frozenconfection machine as in any of Examples 68-72 further includes one ormore paddles in the interior of the hopper driven by the drive shaft,wherein the motor is configured to rotate the paddles to cause the iceto move relative to and against the blade to condition the ice.

Example 74 is a system or device that includes means for implementing amethod, system, machine or device as in any of Examples 1-73.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing description has been presentedfor the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended tobe exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed.Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. Further, it should be noted that any or all of theaforementioned alternate implementations may be used in any combinationdesired to form additional hybrid implementations of the disclosure.

It should be noted that embodiments shown in the figures and describedherein are intended to be exemplary and that any variations in the sizeand the relative proportions of the individual components fall withinthe scope of this disclosure.

Further, although specific implementations of the disclosure have beendescribed and illustrated, the disclosure is not to be limited to thespecific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated.The scope of the disclosure is to be defined by the claims appendedhereto, any future claims submitted here and in different applications,and their equivalents.

1-73. (canceled)
 74. A frozen confection machine comprising: a paddlewheel, wherein the paddle wheel includes a top surface; an iceconditioning blade; wherein the ice conditioning blade includes at leastone slit, the slit comprising: a leading edge, a cutting edge, a topedge, a bottom edge, and, wherein the bottom edge of the at least oneslit is even with the top surface of the paddle wheel.
 75. The frozenconfection machine of claim 74, wherein the at least one slit is aplurality of ice slits arranged in a uniform row.
 76. The frozenconfection machine of claim 75, wherein the plurality of slits arearranged with the bottom edge of each slit on the same horizontal plane.77. The frozen confection machine of claim 75, wherein the plurality ofslits are arranged having the bottom edge of every second slit sethigher than the previous slit.
 78. The frozen confection machine ofclaim 75, wherein the plurality of slits are arranged having the bottomof two or more consecutive slits set at a first level followed by two ormore consecutive slits set at a second level.
 79. The frozen confectionmachine of claim 74, wherein the bottom edge of the slit is flat, formedperpendicular to the leading edge and cutting edge.
 80. The frozenconfection machine of claim 74, wherein the bottom edge of the slit isformed as a radius.
 81. The frozen confection machine of claim 80,wherein the bottom of the radius is even with the top surface of thepaddle wheel.
 82. The frozen confection machine of claim 74, wherein thetop surface of the paddle wheel is positioned such that the top surfaceof the paddle wheel has a height that is the same as a bottom-mostportion of a slit in the ice conditioning blade.
 83. A frozen confectionmachine comprising: a paddle wheel, wherein the paddle wheel includes atop surface; an ice conditioning blade; wherein the ice conditioningblade includes a plurality of substantially rectangular ice slits,wherein each one of the plurality of ice slits comprises: a leadingedge, a cutting edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge, wherein theplurality of ice slits are arranged in a uniform row, and, the bottomedge of at least one of the plurality of ice slits is even with the topsurface of the paddle wheel.
 84. The frozen confection machine of claim83, wherein the plurality of ice slits are arranged with the bottom edgeof each slit on the same horizontal plane.
 85. The frozen confectionmachine of claim 83, wherein the plurality of ice slits are arrangedhaving the bottom edge of every second slit set higher than the previousslit.
 86. The frozen confection machine of claim 83, wherein theplurality of slits are arranged having the bottom of two or moreconsecutive slits set at a first level followed by two or moreconsecutive slits set at a second level.
 87. The frozen confectionmachine of claim 83, wherein the bottom edge of each of the plurality ofice slits is flat, formed perpendicular to the leading edge and cuttingedge.
 88. The frozen confection machine of claim 83, wherein the bottomedge of each of the plurality of ice slits is formed as a radius. 89.The frozen confection machine of claim 83, wherein the bottom of theradius of at least one of the plurality of ice slits is even with thetop surface of the paddle wheel.
 90. The frozen confection machine ofclaim 83, wherein the top surface of the paddle wheel is positioned suchthat the top surface of the paddle wheel has a height that is the sameas a bottommost portion of a slit in the ice conditioning blade.